San Antonio Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

San Antonio Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

The possibility of permanently losing mobility or motor function is a daunting prospect for anyone, yet spinal cord injuries, unfortunately, are not uncommon. Whether from a car collision or medical error, a spinal cord injury can be life-altering. Anyone with this type of injury can hire a San Antonio spinal cord injury lawyer to seek compensation from the at-fault party.

Spinal cord injuries often require urgent and ongoing medical treatment. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation with the help of our trusted attorney.

Why Choose KLJ Law, PLLC?

A spinal cord injury can leave injured victims uncertain about the future. Securing a trustworthy personal injury attorney can be crucial to your recovery. Our founding attorney is committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of spinal cord injury claims.

We are fluent in Spanish and passionate about serving a diverse community. Our lead attorney ensures that every client receives the personalized attention they deserve. When you partner with KLJ Law, PLLC, you gain the benefits of legal counsel who will fight tirelessly for your rights.

We understand the financial and emotional toll a spinal cord injury can have, and we are dedicated to securing the compensation you need. You can trust our law firm to work diligently until you receive the justice and financial support you deserve.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

• Given the number of car collisions in Texas, automobile accidents remain a leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the Lone Star State. Any serious car crash can damage the spine and potentially leave injured victims paralyzed, even if the victim was wearing a seatbelt.
• Motorcycle crashes and bicycle accidents also contribute to a high number of spinal injuries due to the rider’s lack of protection. Any fall from a significant height can lead to a serious back or spinal cord injury. Workers in construction or other physically demanding jobs could be at high risk of suffering these injuries.
• Acts of violence, such as gunshots or assaults, can also lead to spinal cord injuries. If the assailant is charged with a crime, they could face justice in civil court. Injured victims should work with an attorney who can help file a personal injury claim.
• Another cause of spinal cord injuries is sports-related accidents, particularly in high-impact activities like football or diving. Professional athletes are not the only ones who face serious spine injuries. Recreational sports can also lead to injuries that can injure the spinal cord.
• Medical errors, especially during surgery, may cause or worsen spinal cord damage. When a doctor performs procedures near the spine, even a minor error can lead to serious nerve damage. Proving medical malpractice requires the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer who can use evidence to show that the doctor’s actions were negligent under the state’s medical malpractice laws.

Recovering From Spinal Cord Injuries

Recovering from a spinal cord injury is often a lengthy and complex process, and there is no assurance the individual will regain full mobility. Rehabilitation can make a significant difference in the rate of recovery for someone with a spinal cord injury.

Occupational therapy may be needed to learn adaptive techniques for daily living. Recovery may include surgery to stabilize the spine or relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or braces, are often necessary for mobility. Home modifications may be required to accommodate disabilities. While some individuals regain partial function, others may face lifelong limitations.

The financial cost of therapy and rehabilitation can be considerable, even when the injured victim has health insurance. A civil claim can help the injured victim receive the fair compensation they deserve. This compensation can help relieve the financial burden of high-quality medical care during recovery.

How Can the At-fault Party Be Held Accountable?

Before the at-fault party can be held accountable for causing your spinal cord injury, you must prove fault. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records can be used to establish liability.

For example, in a car accident, demonstrating that the other driver was speeding or distracted can prove negligence. In cases involving falls, proving that a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment is crucial. Personal injury attorneys are trained to assist clients and navigate the legal process so victims can receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Insurance

One common source of compensation comes from the at-fault party’s insurance, whether it’s through car, homeowner, or general liability insurance.

A personal injury lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance carrier. In other cases, the right option may be to take the at-fault party to court through the filing of a personal injury claim. Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements. If the defendant does not make a fair settlement offer, the case may go to court, where a jury or judge decides who is at fault for the injury and what compensation is appropriate.

Possible Forms of Compensation Following a Spinal Cord Injury

Victims of spinal cord injuries in San Antonio, TX may be entitled to several forms of compensation. Once a spinal cord injury lawyer has reviewed your case, they can calculate damages and estimate the potential value of your settlement.

• Medical expenses: Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care, are often recoverable following a spinal cord injury.
• Lost wages: Diminished earning capacity can also be claimed, especially if the injury prevents the victim from returning to their previous line of work.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional toll of the injury. Loss of consortium may apply if the injury affects personal relationships.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

Financial compensation can provide victims with the justice they rightfully deserve. The goal of any settlement is to provide the injured plaintiff with the resources they need to begin rebuilding their lives.

FAQs

What Is the Survival Rate for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Survival rates for spinal cord injuries depend on severity and location. First-year mortality is higher for tetraplegia than paraplegia. Long-term survival rates are 47% for tetraplegia and 62% for paraplegia over 40 years.

Life expectancy improves with less severe injuries. Individuals with minor spinal cord injuries reach up to a 97% life expectancy. Access to quality medical treatment is a significant factor that influences an individual’s survival rate.

How Much Can You Get From a Spinal Injury?

The amount of your settlement will largely depend on the quality of your legal representation. With the right attorney, you can be fully compensated for everything that you are owed. This can include compensation for your past, current, and future medical bills. Lost wages can also be included in your final settlement, along with non-economic damages if you suffered emotional harm.

How Much Does a Spinal Cord Injury Cost Per Year?

The cost of a spinal cord injury varies depending on the severity, but it can be significant. Ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, specialized medical devices, and home modifications are just a few of the expenses someone can incur following a spinal cord injury. Lost wages and the need for long-term personal assistance can drive costs even higher, making spinal cord injuries financially burdensome for many individuals and families.

Does a Spinal Cord Injury Qualify Someone for Disability?

In Texas, spinal cord injuries can qualify someone for Social Security Disability benefits if the injury significantly impairs their ability to work. The injured victim’s physical mobility limitations and the severity of the injury are key factors in determining eligibility. Medical documentation proving long-term or permanent disability is typically required to support a claim.

What Happens If I Become Disabled Following a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you become disabled following a spinal cord injury, the at-fault party could be held financially liable for your future lost wages. Your attorney can calculate your projected earnings and include those figures in the settlement negotiation. Texas personal injury laws allow plaintiffs to seek damages for future expenses as well as past financial losses related to a spinal cord injury.

Schedule Your San Antonio Spinal Cord Injury Consultation Today

With legal representation from KLJ Law, PLLC, you can be compensated for your injury by the at-fault party. Receiving a fair settlement following a spinal cord injury can significantly reduce the financial stress caused.

Our founding attorney focuses on personal injury and has helped many clients with spinal cord injuries receive fair settlements. These settlements have helped them undergo the medical treatments they needed to recover.

We can help you and your family during this difficult time. We can handle the settlement negotiation process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact our office today to speak with a member of our legal team. With our legal team on your side, you can trust that you’re getting the quality legal representation you deserve.